Victoria defies the odds to become torchbearer

Victoria Kinsley: Olympic torchbearer

More than 7,000 people will carry the iconic Olympic torch in the run up to the July games. Here’s another of our local champions.
MOST babies aged 11 months old are crawling around without a care in the world.

But not little Victoria Kinsley — she had been diagnosed with a brain tumour and was undergoing drastic surgery to save her life.

The operation gave her a chance to survive, but left her permanently blind.

Now, aged 19, Victoria has been being chosen to become an Olympic torchbearer.

The Failsworth teenager will carry the famous flame through Levenshulme on Sunday, June 24.

“I just get on with it and get stuck in — you can’t let things stand in your way,” she aaid.

The Kinsley clan has been with Victoria every step of the way, with her four brothers and two sisters supporting her.

Victoria, a student at Oldham College, enjoys adventure weekends and outdoor activities. She also helps her dad in his business, Five Star Blinds in Hollinwood.

A support worker nominated the inspirational teen because of her unwavering courage.

Victoria said: “I was so chuffed when I found out I would be carrying the torch.”